44 Ghanaians Repatriated from Nigeria After Being Lured by QNET Job Scam – Victims Share Harrowing Experiences

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully repatriated 44 Ghanaians (27 men and 17 women) who were deceived and trafficked to Nigeria under the false promise of lucrative job opportunities linked to the controversial multi-level marketing scheme QNET.

The group arrived back in Ghana by bus on March 20, 2026, after being rescued from suspected human trafficking camps in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Most of the victims had left Ghana in December 2025 seeking better prospects abroad.

How They Were Tricked

Victims recounted being lured with promises of well-paying jobs, primarily in South Africa. Several paid substantial sums as “service charges” to recruiters:

• One woman paid GH₵16,000 (given by her father) for supposed assistance to secure employment in South Africa.
• Another man paid GH₵10,000 for similar arrangements.

Upon arrival in Nigeria, however, the reality was starkly different. Instead of being flown to South Africa, they were forced into selling health products on a commission basis for QNET.

“I left Ghana in December last year, and I was told I’ll be sent to South Africa to work. However, arriving in Nigeria, I was given some health products to sell on a commission basis. Although I sold some, I couldn’t meet the mark to get any commission,” one female victim told Graphic Online, speaking on condition of anonymity.

She described the living conditions as unsatisfactory — fed only twice daily — and expressed deep regret over losing her father’s money.

The Rescue and Ordeal

The victims were apprehended during a late-night police operation in Nigeria. Many initially mistook the masked officers (dressed in black) for kidnappers and resisted, leading to some being beaten.

“I was traumatised,” one man who spent barely a month in Nigeria recalled. “The police officers were dressed in black and were wearing masks as though it was a kidnapping. Some of us were beaten in an attempt to resist, fearing that we were being kidnapped.”

Another victim said the group spent four days in a private facility before being handed over for repatriation.

Mixed Emotions Upon Return

Returnees displayed mixed reactions at the border:

• Some expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian government for facilitating their safe return.
• Others voiced frustration over the manner of their arrest and — more significantly — the heavy financial losses they incurred.
• A few still believed the scheme might have become profitable if allowed to continue.

Government Warning and Call to Action

Speaking to the media, John Kwasi Boakye, Director of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a strong caution to Ghanaians, especially the youth:

He urged thorough verification of any overseas job offer through security services and the Ministry before making payments or commitments.

Mr. Boakye commended Nigerian authorities for their cooperation in the rescue and repatriation process. He also called on the returnees to become ambassadors in the fight against human trafficking and QNET-related scams.

“We can’t have these people recruiting Ghanaians and putting them under dehumanising conditions in other countries. No one should be a victim of this QNET scam in our country again,” he said.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking, support victims, and raise public awareness about fraudulent recruitment schemes.

This incident highlights the persistent dangers of unregulated job migration promises and the risks associated with pyramid-style marketing operations like QNET, which has faced scrutiny and bans in several countries for deceptive practices.

Authorities continue to advise the public to report suspicious recruitment offers immediately.